June Industrial Production and Capacity Utilization

7/17/2006 – U.S. industrial output rose 0.8% in June and was 4.5% higher than it’s year-ago level. The June increase was lifted by strong output at factories, mines and utilities. Capacity utilization rose to 82.4%, the highest level in six years. June’s rate was 2.1% above its level in June 2005 and 1.4% above its 1972-2005 average. Manufacturing and utility output each rose 0.7% in June, while the output of mines rose 1.2%. Production of consumer goods increased 0.8%. Production of business equipment increased 0.7%. Production of industrial supplies increased 0.6%. Read the full government report at the Federal Reserve Board website.